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Anhydrite
Anhydrite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Anhydrite? |
Anhydrite is an evaporite mineral most commonly found in layered sedimentary deposits in association with halite, gypsum, sulfur, calcite and dolomite. Anhydrite (CaSO4) is very similar to gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) and if you compare their compositions you will see where anhydrite gets its name - "without water". |
Uses |
Anhydrite uses include: soil conditioner, mixed with Portland cement to control the rate of curing, manufacture of gypsum wallboard, mineral filler in joint compounds, plastics and paints, source of sulfur. |
Color |
colorless, white, gray, blue, reddish |
Streak |
white |
Luster |
vitreous to pearly |
Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
Cleavage |
three directions at right angles |
Hardness |
3 - 3.5 |
Specific Gravity |
2.9 - 3.0 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
three cleavage directions, harder than gypsum, higher specific gravity than calcite |
Crystal System |
orthorhombic |
Chemical Classification |
sulfate |
Chemical Composition |
anhydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4 |
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Massive anhydrite from Mound House, Nevada.
Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Crystalline anhydrite from Balmat, New York.
Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Anhydrite from Nova Scotia, Canada.
Specimen is approximately four inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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